Early drinkers might have reduced connectivity in the cognitive control network of the brain

A Study on the Effects of Early Alcohol Use on Brain Connectivity

A new neuroimaging study published in Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging has found that individuals who consumed their first alcoholic drink before the age of 18 had weaker connections in the brain’s cognitive control network compared to those who consumed their first alcoholic drink after the age of 18. This suggests that starting to drink alcohol at a young age might make this brain network less effective.

The Impact of Early Alcohol Use on Brain Development

Although the adverse effects of alcohol consumption and related long-term health risks are well known, it is estimated that 30% of youth in the United States use alcohol by the eighth grade. Furthermore, 62% of adolescents report drinking their first alcoholic drink by the time they graduate from high school, around 18 years of age.

Studies have consistently shown that individuals who start using alcohol earlier are more likely to develop alcohol-related problems later in life. These individuals are also more likely to engage in binge drinking and experience negative consequences associated with early alcohol drinking. Therefore, scientists are interested in understanding how early alcohol use affects the brain.

The Cognitive Control Network and Alcohol Use

In this study, researchers focused on the cognitive control network, which includes the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, and dorsal parietal cortex regions. They hypothesized that alcohol use during adolescence, a critical period for brain development, might interfere with the maturation of neurons in this network, leading to long-term issues with its functioning.

To investigate this hypothesis, the researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to compare brain scans of 96 young adults, some of whom started drinking before the age of 18 and others who started after.

Findings and Implications

The results showed that individuals who consumed their first alcoholic drink before the age of 18 had significantly lower connectivity in regions of the cognitive control network compared to those who started drinking after the age of 18. This suggests that early alcohol use may have detrimental effects on the development and functioning of this network.

Furthermore, the study found that early drinkers were more likely to use tobacco and cannabis compared to late drinkers. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive interventions targeting multiple substance use behaviors among youth.

Limitations and Future Research

While this study provides valuable insights into the effects of alcohol use on the brain, it has some limitations. The number of participants was relatively small, and detailed information about the participants’ alcohol use was lacking. Additionally, since this was an observational study, it cannot establish a cause-and-effect relationship between early alcohol use and changes in brain connectivity.

Further longitudinal research is necessary to determine whether lower connectivity precedes or follows early alcohol use, as well as to explore other relevant factors that may contribute to these findings.

Conclusion

This study emphasizes the importance of addressing early alcohol use as a public health concern. By understanding the impact of alcohol on brain development, policymakers and healthcare professionals can develop targeted interventions to prevent and reduce alcohol-related harm among young individuals.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a framework for addressing substance abuse and promoting mental health. This study aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education) by highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to promote healthy behaviors and support the well-being of young people.

Reference: Reduced connectivity of the cognitive control neural network at rest in young adults who had their first drink of alcohol prior to age 18

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4: Quality Education, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:

• Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol
• Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles
• Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Age of first alcoholic drink: This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 3.5, as it provides information on the prevalence and timing of alcohol consumption among youth.
• Connectivity of cognitive control network in the brain: This indicator can also be used to measure progress towards Target 3.5, as it assesses the impact of early alcohol use on brain functioning.
• Awareness and education on the risks of early alcohol consumption: Although not explicitly mentioned in the article, promoting awareness and education on the risks of early alcohol consumption can contribute to progress towards Target 4.7.
• Prevention of underage alcohol consumption: This indicator can be used to measure progress towards Target 16.2, as it focuses on preventing abuse and exploitation of children through measures such as restricting access to alcohol for underage individuals.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: psypost.org

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